KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasSoccer Coach Arrested for Statutory Sexual Seduction
40-year-old Gabriel LopezA 40-year-old man is behind bars after being accused of having an ongoing sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. Henderson police are investigating the case and say the teen's mother allegedly knew the crime was going on and did not report it.
Gabriel Lopez is facing 11 counts of statutory sexual seduction. According to police, an officer noticed the girl and Lopez in a car at the Arroyo Grande Sports Complex parking lot late Tuesday night. At first, the officer thought it was a father with his daughter. The victim allegedly lied about her age and that's when the officer realized there was something else going on.
According to the police report, the girl eventually told officers she had a consensual sexual relationship with Lopez since late May. Lopez denied having any sexual contact with her to detectives, but said "he loved her like a friend."
The arrest report also says the girl's mother allegedly turned a blind eye to the relationship. Police say she did not report the crime. After interviewing the teen, a detective wrote "her mother told her you can't deny love and you never know who it will be."
The victim allegedly told police she had sex with Lopez at his house, at her own house, and at a Boulder Highway Motel 11 times.
Police are asking anyone with information on this case or who may have additional information on Lopez is being asked to call detectives at (702) 267-4773 or Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.
